Introduced for 1923, the Model L, as it would come to be known, is noteworthy as BSA’s first production motorcycle to have overhead valves. Inspired by the 1.1-litre Hotchkiss v-twin that powered the BSA-Daimler light car, the new engine displaced 349cc. Complementing this new ohv sports model was an otherwise similar sidevalve version sharing essentially the same cycle parts. “To the sporting solo rider who asks for a ‘go anywhere’ mount, its records in the Scottish Six Days’ Trial and the International Trials in Sweden in 1923 stand as recommendation,” stated Pitman’s Book of the BSA, reviewing the Model L sidevalve.
